FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Courses/Lessons

Why are there three course formats?

Because everyone learns differently, we offer three options for most of our courses.

Lesson Pack—This option includes the lesson material in pdf format. There is no group interaction, homework assignments, or instructor feedback. Purchase and download the course material to learn anytime, anywhere.

Group Instruction—This option includes the lesson material, optional homework, additional instructor handouts, a group forum to learn from other students, and direct feedback from the instructor. Group courses are scheduled throughout the year and administered via private forums.

One-on-One Mentoring—This option includes the lesson material, homework assignments, additional instructor handouts, and one-on-one mentoring from the instructor. This option is available throughout the year and scheduled directly with the instructor.

I found an error in a lesson. How did that happen in an editing course?

Although we strive to have our lessons be as error free as possible, editors are still human, and we all make mistakes. If you find an error, please bring it to our attention by e-mailing Director@PENinstitute.com.

Registration closes one week after the course begins. If you missed registering for the Group Instruction on a particular course, consider purchasing the Lesson Pack or One-on-One Instruction or look for dates the group course will be offered again.

Why does One-on-One Instruction cost more than Group Instruction?

Group Instruction is set up as a scheduled course and typically has several students. This allows the instructor to teach multiple students at one time and focus on teaching during the length of the course. Participants benefit from seeing the responses of their fellow students in addition to feedback from the instructor. One-on-One Instruction is individual mentoring between the instructor and the student. The student has direct access to the instructor for course questions and receives more focused attention. The cost is higher for this individual attention.

A friend told me about a course, but I don’t see it online. Is it still available?

Most courses are available for purchase and download as Lesson Packs at any time. Group courses are scheduled throughout the year. One-on-One Instruction is available for most courses at any time. If you are unable to find a course that used to be offered through The Christian PEN, please let us know by e-mailing Director@PENinstitute.com.

Instruction

May I contact my instructor directly?

For Group Instruction and One-on-One Instruction, you are encouraged to communicate with the instructor once your course has begun. However, Lesson Packs do not come with feedback from the instructors.

Are the instructors certified in teaching? How are they qualified?

Our instructors are professionals in the industry and highly qualified to teach their courses. We choose instructors based on their levels of experience, areas of expertise, and ability to mentor students. See our instructor bios.

Your certificate will be sent after the course is completed and the instructor has confirmed that you met the course requirements. Certificates are e-mailed within one month of course completion. Certificates are not available for Lesson Pack downloads.

Why haven’t I received my certificate of completion?

If you met the course requirements and did not receive your certificate within one month of completion, please e-mail the PI Director at Director@PENinstitute.com.

Can I contact other students directly?

Absolutely. Once your Group Instruction begins, you may e-mail other students within the forum. However, we do not give out student contact information. All personal information is kept confidential in our database.

Miscellaneous

Does The PEN Institute have a physical school in a specific location?

No. We are strictly an online institution. All instruction and communication with teachers is digital. If you are interested in meeting instructors face-to-face, we encourage you to attend PENCON, our annual editors' conference.

Are PI courses only for aspiring or beginning editors?

Our courses are for every level of experience and any type of editor. While some of the material is pertinent to freelancing in any field, we strive to educate freelance editors and proofreaders, in-house editors, and publishing interns. We offer courses for “newbies” as well as continuing education for established freelancers.

Is The PEN Institute affiliated with a particular Christian denomination?

The PEN Institute’s foundation is based solely on God’s Word. See our Statement of Faith to understand what we believe. However, most of our curriculum is focused on industry standards, so we welcome students of any faith to learn about editing.